Pollard ton powers WI closer to series win

St Lucia, Mar 24: West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard smashed a quick century as they beat Australia by 42 runs in the fourth one-day international leading 2-1 in the five-match ODI series.

The 24-year-old Pollard scored his second ODI century (102) in 70 deliveries as west Indies posted a target of 294 for seven in 50 overs, their highest total at the Beausejour Stadium.

Openers Johnson Charles (37) and Adrian Barath (41) gave the Windies a positive start but Australia were stunned with the partnership between Kieron Pollard and Andre Russell putting up 94 runs off 64 balls for the sixth wicket.

In reply, Australia's top order crumpled as they were all dismissed for 252. Losing five wickets for 112 in the 21st over, the Aussies had almost given up the chase.

David Hussey (57) and Matthew Wade (15) put together a partnership of 67 for the sixth wicket but Wade was caught in the deep during the 34th over to give Australia less hope of getting anything out of this match.

Hussey was then bowled out by Kemar Roach, the dismissal came just 2 balls after Roach bowled a full toss straight to Brett Lee's left hand.

But Lee hit back with his career-best 59, which included five fours and five sixes. Lee's bowling figures were not impressive as he turned out to be the most expensive bowler with 72 runs from 10 overs claiming two wickets, 23 of those runs coming off his final over.

Lee restored some hope in the Aussie dressing room but soon ran out of partners and ended being the highest run-getter for Australia.

Australia won the first match by 64 runs while the West Indies won the second by five-wickets on Sunday.

Victory for West Indies puts an end to the miserable run of 15 defeats in 16 ODIs against Australia.

The third ODI on Tuesday ended in a thrilling tie while the final match takes place in Gros Islet on Sunday.